Steve Geller

Steve: Hornets excited about latest trade moves

by Steve Geller,posted Jul 28 2012 10:57AM

The Hornets announced that they have acquired center Robin Lopez, forward Hakim Warrick, and cash considerations from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Jerome Dyson, center Brad Miller and two 2nd round picks (Brooklyn’s 2013 second round selection and Minnesota’s 2016 second round draft choice) as part of a three-team trade along with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix receives Brad Miller and Jerome Dyson from the Hornets as well as Wesley Johnson and a 1st round pick from Minnesota. Minnesota receives Brooklyn’s 2013 2nd round pick and their own 2016 2nd round pick from New Orleans.

“We are very excited about this trade that brings us two quality people and basketball players to help strengthen our foundation as a team,” General Manager Dell Demps said. “This move gives us a true center in Robin Lopez who brings youth and is a tough, inside rebounder. In Hakim, we get an experienced, versatile forward who will bring a veteran presence to our team.”

Lopez (7-0, 255), was drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Suns. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Suns last season in 14.0 minutes over 64 games. During the 2010-11 season, Lopez started 56 of 67 regular season games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.8 minutes of action. In four NBA seasons in Phoenix, the Stanford product has career averages of 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds in 14.4 minutes over 242 games (94 starts). The Fresno, California native enjoyed a two-year collegiate career at Stanford, averaging 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 67 career games for the Cardinal. Robin’s twin brother, Brook, plays for the now Brooklyn Nets.

Warrick, (6-9, 219), who was the 19TH overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds for the Suns last season over 35 games. The versatile forward has played for four NBA teams (Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Suns) over seven seasons, with career averages of 9.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 498 games (94 starts). The Philadelphia native starred for Syracuse University, playing four seasons for the Orange, averaging 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds over 135 career games. Warrick also helped Syracuse capture their first-ever National Championship in 2003.

INJURY UPDATE
10th overall draft pick Austin Rivers underwent successful surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right ankle. The guards’ injury flared up during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas last week. Also, guard Xavier Henry underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee for a lateral meniscus tear.

Henry appeared in all five games for the Hornets in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas last week, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Both are expected back on the court for the start in training camp in October.